Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
University Nicolaus Copernicus in Torun is already 80 years old!
– The dream of the University was a truly astronomical dream: seemingly distant as the stars, but nourished by the fame of the great astronomer born in Toruń – Nicolaus Copernicus – recalled the beginnings of the university, Rector Prof. Dr. Hab. Andrzej Tretyn during a speech on the occasion of the University Day and the 80th anniversary of NCU.
This year's University Day - although traditionally celebrated on February 19, the anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus, the patron of the university - had a special character due to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the existence of the University of Nicolaus Copernicus. The round birthday of the University is more broadly part of the Year of Jubilees - in the academic year 2024/2025 we also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz and the 20th anniversary of its merger with the University of Nicolaus Copernicus and the establishment of the Collegium Medicum.
University Day celebrations from the academic procession that moved to the Old Town Square from the Jordanki Cultural and Congress Center. There, delegations laid flowers at the Nicolaus Copernicus monument on the 552nd anniversary of the astronomer's birth. On behalf of the Toruń authorities, flowers were laid by: the Mayor of Toruń Paweł Gulewski, the Chairman of the Toruń City Council Łukasz Walkusz, the Vice-Chairman of the Toruń City Council Marcin Czyżniewski and the Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Toruń for the Cultural Heritage of Toruń, Prof. Dr. Hab. Michał Białkowski.
Then the celebrations moved to the NCU Auditorium, where the University community was joined in the celebrations by a wide group of distinguished guests, including the Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek, members of parliament and representatives of local government authorities.
Minister Marcin Kulasek , extending his wishes to the university community on the occasion of the anniversary, emphasized the recent successes of UMK: permanent presence in the most important international rankings, the status of a research university obtained in the ministerial IDUB competition, membership in European alliances, investments in infrastructure, development of the educational offer and scientific achievements confirmed by, for example, ERC grants for two of our scientists: Prof. Katharina Boguslawski and Prof. Piotr Wcisła from the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Informatics. - May the first Polish optical atomic clock, which was created within the walls of this university, continue to measure time with exceptional precision, working for the benefit of the Toruń university, and consequently - the entire Polish science - added the minister.
In his jubilee speech, Rector Prof. Dr. Hab. Andrzej Tretyn referred to the beginnings of the University, which – despite difficult conditions and infrastructure shortages – was established thanks to the determination and passion of its founders. The Rector also recalled the milestones in the development of the university: the construction of the academic campus, the political transformation, the development of new directions and areas of research, the merger with the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz and finally – obtaining the status of a research university and partnership in YUFE and YERUN.
- A modern, European university, and that is what we are, understands its tasks and is aware of its responsibility for the development of society - added Prof. Andrzej Tretyn. - It plays an important role in the progress of civilization and teaches how to use it wisely. It is a leader of changes that are a response to new challenges. In today's times, the university must take part in a wise ecological and energy transformation, in changes in urban policy and in the participatory construction of local communities.
A special point of this year's University Day program was the awarding of an honorary doctorate to prof. Oded Galor, an outstanding economist from Brown University in Providence, the creator of a unified theory of economic growth. The NCU Senate decided to award the honorary title by resolution no. 78 of December 17, 2024, based on the scholar's outstanding achievements. The laureate was presented by dr hab. Marlena Ciechan-Kujawa, prof. UMK, dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, and the laudatio was delivered by the doctoral supervisor prof. dr hab. Magdalena Osińska from the Faculty of Economics and Management. Interestingly, the distinction awarded to prof. Galor on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of UMK is the 80th honorary doctorate awarded by our university.
- It is with deep gratitude and humility that I accept this honorable distinction from your esteemed University - said Prof. Oded Galor. - This is a milestone, the culmination of my unwavering passion for knowledge. As an academic who has devoted a significant part of his career to understanding the profound and enduring impact of history, it is especially gratifying to receive this title in such a captivating city as Toruń. Walking its cobbled streets, it is impossible to escape the intellectual and cultural splendor that has flourished here over the centuries. This is the heritage that underpins your great University. I am honored to be included in its community.
On this day, we also met the winner of this year's "Ratio et Spes" Scientific Award. It was Rev. Dr. Paweł Kaszuba from the Pontifical University of John Paul II for his work "Ethical modeling of cyberspace from a person's perspective. A project of personalistic ethics of cyberspace".
A special distinction – the Medal for Merits for the Development of the University was awarded to dr hab. Michał F. Woźniak, prof. UMK from the Faculty of Fine Arts and prof. dr hab. Jan Styczyński from the Faculty of Medicine of the Collegium Medicum. The medal has been awarded since 1975 to people who, through their activities, have contributed in a special way to the promotion of the university in the country and abroad, or supported the development of scientific research, scientific and social life at UMK.
The University Day was also an opportunity to award the title of Honorary Professor. They were received by:
- Prof. Dr. Hab. Mirosław Bączyk from the Faculty of Law and Administration – in recognition of his significant influence on the development of private banking law, bill of exchange law and contract law, shaping the case law of Polish courts and the directions of development of Polish banking;
- Prof. Dr. Hab. Edward Szłyk from the Faculty of Chemistry – in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of innovative research directions in chemical sciences and organizational activities, which significantly contributed to the development and fame of the University;
- Prof. Dr. Hab. Jerzy Witold Wiśniewski from the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management – in recognition of his significant influence on the development of econometrics, economic education and organizational contributions to the academic community.
The title of Honorary Professor is awarded by the University Senate upon the motion of the Honorary Awards Chapter. It is awarded to professors with outstanding scientific achievements who retired in the last academic year. The title was first awarded in 2015.
- Every year, on February 19, in the whole of Toruń, we think only about this one university and about one man. We point to the entire scientific Poland the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus - the greatest of Toruń's inhabitants and the patron of one of the two largest academic centers in northern Poland - emphasized President Paweł Gulewski and added that UMK is a solid brand and research university, which holds a high position in European and world rankings. - The relay of generations, of which we are participants, allows us to look with pride at the achievements of the past 80 years. I am also a graduate of UMK, so I can reliably confirm that it is impressive. Today, the University is an integral part of the Toruń community. It gives Toruń the character of an academic metropolis. And it is still a development opportunity for the whole of Toruń. Today, I say to the entire community of my beloved university with great kindness and gratitude: Congratulations on the anniversary and all achievements. The city of Toruń is always and immensely proud of its University.
During the ceremony in the UMK Auditorium, diplomas were also presented to new postdoctoral graduates and their doctoral promotions took place. In the 80-year history of the University, the postdoctoral degree has been awarded to 1,586 scholars, including 45 in the past year. 5,995 people have completed their doctorates at UMK, including 138 in the past year. The doctoral promotion at the Collegium Medicum will take place on April 25.
Swimming pool complex in Bolesławiec completed.
Despite the flooding of the construction site during the September flood and the contractor's losses, the construction was completed. A year after the deadline announced by the city authorities during the election campaign.
As the general contractor, ALSTAL Construction Group, we are pleased to announce the completion of the investment called Development of the area of the water and sports center at ul. Spacerowa 24 in Bolesławiec , the investor of which is the City of Bolesławiec. We have already completed the final acceptance of the investment completed on time - we read in the press release about the completion of the investment sent to the media.
As reported by the contractor, the project involves the construction of a complex of modern technical and service buildings with a catering section with a total volume of 6,233 m³ and a total area of 1,656.27 m², equipped with building automation systems, air conditioning and a photovoltaic installation. The facility also includes an underground technical chamber with a volume of 860 m³.
The swimming pool complex includes:
- Three swimming pools: a children's pool, a heated brine pool and a recreational pool with swimming lanes and a WET BUBBLE attraction, with a total water surface area of over 1,400 m²,
- A water playground with an area of 446.68 m² – a zone full of water attractions for the youngest,
- A set of two water slides,
- A salt graduation tower, a dry playground and swimming pool beaches with a flexible surface,
- Green areas with small architecture, pedestrian areas and fences,
- Outdoor changing rooms with showers and transitional shower trays for foot disinfection,
- Parking for 140 spaces and access roads,
- Photovoltaic installation on buildings and in the parking lot with a total capacity of 240.67 kWp.
The official opening will take place in June 2025, although the city authorities during last year's election campaign (March 19) talked about accelerating the work and delivering the facility a year earlier, in June 2024. After the elections, it turned out that those announcements were unrealistic and ultimately the decision was made that the pools would open in June 2025.
As we have established, some facilities, construction materials and equipment were flooded on the construction site. For example, the flood destroyed many benches, which the contractor had to buy again. It is worth remembering that the swimming pools are built on land that was also flooded during the 1997 flood.
As a result of the flood, the project for the second stage of the investment is being supplemented. The changes are to allow for better flood protection. Its implementation will begin in the second half of this year. At this stage, among other things, playing fields and a 140-meter slide will be built.
The opening will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The Municipal Sports and Recreation Center is looking for someone to open a restaurant and small catering facility at the pools. The facility is fully equipped for this purpose.
Events for the weekend in Żagań and the surrounding area. There will be cool concerts, exhibitions and a convention on anything!
On Friday, we will still have heavy frost, with a temperature of minus 6 degrees Celsius. It will be like this on Saturday, February 22, 2025, but from Sunday there will be clouds, but from Sunday it will be a bit warmer. It is all the more worth going to the event in Żagań and the surrounding area. If you know of an event worth recommending, which is not in the program, write in the comments.
Friday, February 21, 2025 in Szprotawa
- Szprotawski Dom Kultury invites you at 5 p.m. to the ski and sleigh slope in Henrykowski Park for a "Descent on anything". The program includes a snow vehicle competition, a bonfire with sausages, hot tea, games and animations.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 in Żagań
- 9 a.m. traditional 5 km parkrun around the Żagań park. You can run, jog or walk with poles. Start in the moat under the palace.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in Żagań
- At 5 p.m., the Region Enthusiasts Club invites you to the entertainment and cinema hall of the Black Division Club at 50 Żarska Street for a meeting "On the Other Side of the Barricade". Marek Łazarz, director of the Museum of POW Camps in Żagań, who will talk about the German crew of the Żagań POW camps. Free admission.
- At 7 p.m., the Inter Cinema will host the long-awaited screening of Magnus von Horn's "The Girl with the Needle." The film is nominated for the 2025 Oscars in the "Best International Film" category, and for the 2025 Golden Globes in the "Best Foreign Language Film" category. Tickets: PLN 15.
An incredible phenomenon in the sky over Poland! We already know what it was. There is a statement from the Polish Space Agency
On Wednesday, February 19, an incredible phenomenon was visible in the sky - an intensely glowing, green streak. These are most likely parts of a rocket.
The phenomenon was visible in the sky in the Lubuskie province on Wednesday, February 19 at around 4:50 a.m. In other parts of Poland it could be observed already on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Many people started to post photos on social media - they can be seen a long, glowing streak.
An amazing phenomenon in the sky
Some thought it was a shooting star, others that someone had set off fireworks. However, it turns out that these are most likely parts of the Falcon 9 rocket that was supposed to enter the atmosphere. As reported by the Z głowy w gwiazdach portal , TLE data confirms that at 4:45 the object flew over Poland. The rocket was launched on February 1 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and carried 22 Starlink satellites into orbit.
Communique of the Polish Space Agency
At noon, the Polish Space Agency published a statement explaining what flew over Poland.
- The Polish Space Agency (POLSA), Space Security Department Team confirms that at night between 04:46 and 04:48 a.m., February 19, 2025, an uncontrolled atmospheric entry of a FALCON 9 R/B launch vehicle stage – object number NORAD / COSPAR ID 62878 / 2025-022Y – occurred over the territory of Poland. The rocket stage, weighing approximately 4 tons, came from the Space X Starlink Group 11-4 mission, which launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on February 1, 2025 - we read in the release.
It turns out that the flight trajectory of this object was known to POLSA and the services responsible in Europe for monitoring the risk of artificial space objects entering the Earth's atmosphere.
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